CISD Assistant Superintendent Jane Stephens to retire

Hundred of Canyon Independent School District staffers and supporters recently made Stephens' day with lots of smiles, hugs and laughs at Stephens' retirement reception at First United Methodist Church in Canyon.

Stephens, who has served as CISD's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction since 1992, retires on June 15.

At the reception, Stephens received a grouping of inscribed garden stones. The largest rock bears the words "Jane - God's Gracious Gift." Smaller stones, inscribed with the words "solid," "vision" and "hope," rested around the larger stone. Soon, they'll be in her garden.

Staffers also gave Stephens books filled with letters expressing gratitude, and officials also will present books about French culture - such as cooking and art - to CISD libraries in Stephens' honor. (Stephens is a French culture aficionado.)

"A tireless advocate for children - that would be a good way to describe her," said King, who retired in December. King said Stephens "gave all she had to give for all we have in Canyon."

"It's not going to be a piece of this or a piece of that," he said, describing what the district will miss most about Stephens. "It's her dedication to all aspects of the program. She was very involved in the technology program."

King also cited Stephens' dedication, drive and concern for children, and said "You don't replace people like Jane Stephens."

"There's no way I can fill her shoes," said newly hired Lesli Laughter, who formerly was principal at Westover Park Intermediate School.

James Veitenheimer, CISD superintendent, said Stephens possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience the district will miss.

"And her energy - she never quits," Laughter said.

Several current and former staffers discussed their memories and fondness for Stephens.

"She taught a teacher training course - I don't remember the name of it - back in the '80s, and it was an outstanding class that helped me a lot," said Jo Jackson, Canyon Junior High School language arts teacher. "I learned things I could use in the classroom with my students. My husband and I also traveled to London with her and her husband. That was a great trip."

Edith Reynolds, a retiree who taught at Oscar Hinger Elementary School and Canyon Junior High School, said she cherished Stephens' helpfulness.

"She frames everything in the positive - I never heard her say anything negative," Jackson said.

"I've never seen her down; she's always happy," said Donna Wilson, a retiree who taught at Oscar Hinger and CJHS.

Jim Murphy, CISD school board president, said Stephens possessed a valuable combination of competence and kindness.

"You always knew that when Jane set out do something, she was going to do it," Murphy said. "But she would do it without stepping on toes."

Maria Chrzanowski, fourth-grade science teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, said she appreciated Stephens' support, explaining her strength was analyzing needs and ensuring that teachers could do their jobs with necessary training and tools.

Linda Schrib, librarian at Canyon High School, said she appreciated Stephens' support of district libraries.

"She's a marvelous teacher who makes everything so relevant to the kids," said D'Ann Moutos, Randall High School English teacher. "I learned about opening up to the kids through Jane."

Stephens said she enjoyed the reception, explaining that it was "something I'll remember for a long time."

Stephens began her education career in 1964 in Amarillo, where she taught French and world history. After a one-year stint in Missouri, she eventually came to CISD in 1967, where she taught at Canyon High School. She left in 1969 and came back in 1976 to teach economics, social studies and French. In 1985, she became counselor at CHS, and in 1987, she became director of secondary programs for the CISD. She retires with 27 years in education, according to the CISD.

Stephens said the high point of her career was her association with students. Two highlights included attending a 1967 CHS girls state championship game and helping a high school student learn to read.

"One of the best things I did was try to teach that young man to read," she said. "As I think back, I think I may have made a difference in that young man's life."

Stephens said she will miss the challenges her job presented to her every day, including getting opportunities to meet people.

"I'll especially miss the people I worked with," she said.

Stephens said the district's greatest accomplishment during her tenure was its ability to "grow rapidly and still maintain its core values and beliefs."

"We expect a high quality of work from students, and we expect teachers to stay current and take on new challenges, and we expect them to deal with students on an individual basis," she said.

Stephens, who said she had been planning her retirement for a year, said she plans to spend time with her 14-month-old grandson, Xander, who lives in Fort Worth.

"I'm going to wear the road out between here and there," she said.

She also plans to travel with husband J. Pat and do some volunteer work. Stephens has a daughter, Jennifer, who lives in Fort Worth, and a son, Robert, who lives in Austin.